Mitchell Owen has officially joined the Punjab Kings (PBKS) squad for the remainder of IPL 2025, stepping in as a replacement for the injured Glenn Maxwell, who was ruled out earlier this season with a fractured finger. PBKS had secured the services of the promising Australian all-rounder for ₹3 crore, banking on his explosive form and rising profile in T20 cricket.
Initially, Owen was expected to arrive only after fulfilling his Pakistan Super League (PSL) commitments with Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi. However, in a surprising turn, the 23-year-old opted to leave the PSL midway, despite Zalmi still being in contention for the playoffs, in order to link up with the Indian franchise.
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The IPL and PSL had both paused earlier this month due to escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan but are now set to resume on May 17. Owen’s early arrival will give PBKS a timely boost as they push for a strong finish to the league stage.
Owen has entered the den! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/u6RYiiSOBO
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 15, 2025
Owen made headlines earlier this year in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25, emerging as the tournament’s highest run-getter. His standout performance came in the final, where he blazed a 39-ball century to guide Hobart Hurricanes to their first-ever BBL title. He smashed 108 off just 42 balls, peppered with six fours and 11 sixes, as the Hurricanes chased down 183 with ease.
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In the ongoing PSL 2025, Owen managed 102 runs in seven innings for Zalmi at a strike rate of 192.45—further underscoring his hitting prowess. He also turned out for the Paarl Royals in SA20 earlier this year.
PBKS, currently third on the points table, need just one more win to secure a playoff berth. Their next challenge comes against Rajasthan Royals on May 18 in Jaipur.
